Jillian Michaels facts for kids
Jillian Michaels (born February 18, 1974) is an American fitness trainer, businesswoman, and author. She is well-known for her appearances on TV shows like The Biggest Loser on NBC. She has also been on the talk show The Doctors. In 2015, she hosted a show called Sweat, INC on Spike. Her reality TV series Just Jillian started on E! in 2016.
Quick facts for kids
Jillian Michaels
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Michaels in May 2018
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| Born | February 18, 1974 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Spouse(s) |
Deshanna Marie Michaels
(m. 2022) |
| Children | 2 |
Contents
Early Life and Fitness Journey
Jillian Michaels was born in Los Angeles, California, on February 18, 1974. Her mother was a psychotherapist, and her father was a lawyer. She grew up in the Tarzana area of Los Angeles.
When she was young, Jillian struggled with her weight. This became more noticeable around age 13 when her parents divorced. To help her cope with stress, her mother enrolled her in martial arts classes. This experience helped Jillian focus on health, wellness, and fitness.
She attended California State University, Northridge. During this time, she worked as a bartender and a personal trainer to support herself. In 2002, she opened her own sports medicine center called Sky Sport & Spa in Beverly Hills.
Career in Health and Media
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As a personal trainer, Jillian Michaels combines different exercise methods. These include kickboxing, yoga, Pilates, plyometrics (jump training), and weight training. She has also created training programs for other fitness professionals. She holds a nutrition and wellness consultant certificate.
Digital Fitness and Books
Jillian Michaels has a popular fitness app called "Jillian Michaels: The Fitness App." It has won awards from Apple and Google. She has also written nine books about health and wellness. Eight of her books have become New York Times Best Sellers.
Since 2011, Michaels has hosted a weekly podcast called Keeping It Real on iTunes. In 2011, Apple recognized her show as one of the best new audio podcasts. She has also partnered with Bill Maher's Club Random to make her podcast available as a video.
In 2008, Michaels started her company, Empowered Media LLC. She also launched a fitness video website called Fitfusion.com. This platform is available on various TV channels and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV. It also reaches audiences in many hotels worldwide.
Television Appearances
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Jillian Michaels became a trainer on the reality series The Biggest Loser when it began in 2004. She was the Red Team trainer for the first two seasons. She left the show in 2006 but returned in 2007 as the Black Team trainer. She also worked as a trainer on the Australian version of the show from 2006 to 2008.
Michaels announced in 2010 that the eleventh season of The Biggest Loser would be her last. Her final appearance on the show was in May 2011. However, she returned for Season 14 in 2012 and Season 15, which premiered in October 2013. She did not return for Season 16.
Losing It with Jillian
In June 2010, NBC launched Losing It with Jillian. This show was a spin-off of The Biggest Loser. In this series, Michaels visited families at their homes and workplaces for a week to help them with their health goals. All eight episodes of the series are available to watch online.
The Doctors
In 2011, Jillian Michaels signed a deal with CBS Television Distribution. She became a co-host on the talk show The Doctors. She also worked as a special correspondent for the show Dr. Phil. On The Doctors, Michaels had a regular segment called Ask Jillian, where she discussed nutrition and diet. She left The Doctors in January 2012.
Charity Work
Jillian Michaels supports many charities. These include the UNHCR, the NFL's Play 60 program, Stand Up to Cancer, Working Wardrobes, Hope for Haiti, Sow a Seed, and Dress for Success. She also cares about animal welfare. In 2012, she helped PETA rescue a racehorse.
Personal Life
Jillian Michaels has two children. She adopted a daughter from Haiti in May 2012. Her former partner gave birth to a son in the same month. In 2018, Michaels began a relationship with fashion designer Deshanna Marie Minuto. They became engaged in November 2021 and married in July 2022.
Views on Current Events
Jillian Michaels has shared her thoughts on political figures and health topics. In 2024, she often supported Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his presidential campaign. She praised his ideas on chronic health. She also announced that she voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
Images for kids
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Michaels in May 2018
